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FAQs
Find answers to the most common enquiries we get from members

Checking if the answer to your question is here before giving us a call could save you time. We'll be adding to this area over time.

Membership

How long will it take to process my application?

Applications for membership take up to 28 days to process from the date we receive your completed application form. We will email you to confirm your application has arrived.

How do I set up a Direct Debit to pay my membership fee?

New applicationsDownload and print out the Membership application form. Complete the Direct Debit mandate and post it back to us with your completed application form.

If you need a Membership application form sent to you by post, please email your address tobacp@bacp.co.uk.

Existing membersDownload and print out the Direct Debit mandate. Return the completed form to us by post.

Is there a charge for setting up a Direct Debit?

No, there is no charge.

How many instalments will my Direct Debit be taken over?

It can be taken either through 10 monthly instalments or in one single annual payment. You can specify your preference on the application form or the Direct Debit mandate.

When does my Direct Debit go out? Can I change the date it goes out?

The Direct Debit is requested on or around the 25th of each month. This cannot be changed.

When will I get my membership card?

We normally send out membership cards within 10 working days from when you renewed online.

When will I get my renewal form?

We'll send your renewal form to the address we currently hold for you six weeks before your renewal date. You can renew your registration as soon as you receive your renewal form. If you move house, please make sure you update your address details in the members area of the website.

Are registration and accreditation the same thing?

Registration does not replace accreditation.

All practising BACP members must be registered or working towards registration. SeeRegistered membership.

Accreditation is a quality standard for experienced practitioners, designed to recognise your capacity for independent, ethical and competent practice. See Accredited membership.

When do I get my Therapy Today?

Therapy Todayis issued every month except January and August. It is mailed out between 15 and 20th of the month. All divisional journals are published quarterly.

How do I upgrade my membership from student member to individual member?

You must complete your course - including the 100 hour placement - and graduate before you can become an individual member. To upgrade, please email membership@bacp.co.uk with your graduation certificate or a letter on headed paper from your place of study confirming that you have successfully completed and graduated from your course.

Registration

What is registration?

Being on the BACP Register demonstrates that a counsellor exceeds the minimum standards a client should expect. All practising BACP members must be registered or working towards registration. See Registered membership.

When do I need to renew my registration?

You must renew your registration every year when you renew your membership online.

How much does registration cost?

There is no charge for registration.

Why do I have a separate registration number?

Your Register certificate number is listed on the public-facing register so that clients or employers can check your registration. It is also shown on your individual registered logo. Your BACP membership number is not shown publicly.

How do I get my registered certificate and logos?

You can log in and download your logo and registration certificate from your account within 24 hours of joining the Register.

How do I find myself on the Register?

If your details do not appear, it may be that you have not yet met the criteria to join the Register or that you have not renewed your registration. See Registered membership.

Accreditation

What is accreditation?

Accreditation is a quality standard for individual practitioners, professional training courses and therapeutic service providers who can demonstrate high standards over a range of criteria.

Are registration and accreditation the same thing?

Registration doesn’t replace accreditation. All practising BACP members must be registered, or working towards registration. See Registered membership.

How long does the accreditation assessment process take?

It takes us around four to six months from the date we receive your application to complete the accreditation assessment process.

What is a BACP-accredited course?

BACP-accredited courses have been assessed by us against detailed criteria to ensure they provide high quality, professional practitioner training. See Course accreditation.

Do I need to complete an accredited course to apply for accreditation?

No, you don’t need to complete an accredited course to apply for individual accreditation. See Accredited membership.

Do I have to be a BACP member to apply for accreditation?

Yes - only registered members of BACP are eligible to apply for accreditation.

Can I apply for accreditation before I register?

No - you'll need to become a registered member before you can apply for accreditation. You must also be in practice, seeing at least one client a month, and be receiving contracted supervision.

What is a 'collated copy'?

In our accreditation pack, we use the term ‘collated copy’ to mean numbered and in order. This makes it easier for you to check that all your evidence has been included and easier for us to check that your application is complete.

When will I get my accreditation certificate and authentication letter?

When you first become accredited, you will receive a Certificate and a letter of authentication. You should get this as soon as we receive a successful decision.

You'll receive a new letter of authentication every year when you renew. You'll receive this about three weeks after you return your accreditation declaration and pay your membership subscription.

Are accreditation and membership renewed at the same time?

Yes. When you renew online, you will complete all the declarations and terms and conditions at the same time.